Tankbot lets you control tiny desktop warfare via your Android device

You're never too old to enjoy the simple pleasure of remote control toys. And the tiny, cheap remote cars and helicopters that have sprung up in the last couple of years are no exception - plus, they're great for driving pets nuts. If you'd like to integrate your remote-controlled fun with your unabashed Android nerdiness, Desk Pets has you covered with their new Tankbot. The tiny plastic robots can operate independently, or be directly controlled via your smartphone.

The tiny RC vehicles charge up via a USB port with a little tail/switch on the back. Flip it down to charge (40 minutes of USB charge for 15 minutes of runtime) then flip it up to start playing. Switch the mode from autonomous to controlled, slide the included 1/8-inch remote adapter into your phone, start the Tankbot app, and you're ready to go.

And the best part: they're just $25 a pop. That's comfortably in the impulse buy range, and you won't have to worry about crashing three c-notes worth of toy, as with the Parrot AR Drone. Sure, they don't fly and there's no remote camera, but what do you want for 25 bones? You and your coworkers friends can use up to four different Tankbots at a time, thanks to the color-coded frequencies. Something tells me there's going to be a lot of Battletank reenactments around my house in the near future...